Innovation: when technology and art meet

In conversation: James Boardwell, Leila Johnston and James Jefferies
How do ideas develop from idea to proof of concept? How can creative processes from technology production play a role in an art gallery? How can artistic processes influence software development?
For ten weeks, Leila Johnston and James Jefferies have been in residence at Site Gallery with local technology luminaries such as James Boardwell as their mentors. In this discussion, they consider how an idea can grow and how to harness it and turn it from a dream into reality.
About the speakers:
James Boardwell runs Rattle, a design studio that makes interesting things using data and the internet. They make their own prototype products as well as working for clients like the BBC, Channel 4 and Umbro . Their most recent piece of work is a game that tells you how you project yourself online – and how we judge each other – called Mr Fante’s Games of Judgement. It aims to revolutionise the way games mechanics are used to tell stories about ourselves. James is also the co-founder and director of Folksy, the biggest marketplace and community of UK crafters and makers.
James Jefferies
James has spent many years working with technology, as a software engineer, architect and consultant. Having worked for big banks,
utility companies and digital agencies, he now runs his own company ShedCode based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. He enjoys helping other people solve their techie problems, whether large or small. Apart from geeky things, James is interested in industrial archaeology, transport, music, books and film.
Leila Johnston
Leila Johnston is a writer and broadcaster with a particular interest in the culture of technology. She is the author of the gamebook and iPhone app Enemy of Chaos and How To Worry Friends and Inconvenience People – which was turned into an interactive online animation series by BBC Comedy. In the last year she has been working on creative technology experiments with Made by Many, and writes regularly about hacking for WIRED UK. She is the embarrassed owner of many obsolete computers.
The event is free but booking recommended. Tea and cake provided!
Click here to find out more
Read The Guardian feature piece on Happenstance
Happenstance has been funded by NESTA, Arts Council England and the Arts and Humanities Research Council through the Digital Innovation Fund.